Sneaker vs. Takkie — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 26, 2023
Sneakers are casual sports shoes, while takkies is a South African term for the same type of footwear.
Difference Between Sneaker and Takkie
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Sneakers are a globally recognized term for casual sports shoes. Takkies is a term specifically used in South Africa for similar shoes.
Sneakers have broad cultural significance worldwide. Takkies hold specific cultural relevance within South Africa.
The term sneaker originated from the shoes being quiet. Takkie's etymology is rooted in South African English.
Sneakers are widely used in fashion and sports. Takkies, while similar, are more regionally specific.
Sneaker is a common term in American English. Takkie is a colloquial term in South African English.
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Comparison Chart
Meaning
Casual sports shoes
South African term for casual sports shoes
Geographical Usage
Widely used globally
Primarily used in South Africa
Cultural Significance
Significant globally in fashion and sports
Specific cultural relevance in South Africa
Etymology
From being quiet on the ground
Rooted in South African English
Fashion Usage
Broad usage in fashion and sports worldwide
Similar usage, but regionally specific to South Africa
Compare with Definitions
Sneaker
Shoes designed for comfort and casual use.
These sneakers are perfect for walking.
Takkie
South African term for sports shoes.
He bought new takkies for the hike.
Sneaker
Casual sports shoes.
I wear sneakers for my daily run.
Takkie
Casual shoes used in sports or daily wear.
Her takkies were brightly colored.
Sneaker
Shoes with rubber soles.
Her sneakers had bright red soles.
Takkie
Colloquial term in South Africa for athletic shoes.
She prefers wearing takkies to school.
Sneaker
Athletic shoes for everyday wear.
He prefers sneakers over formal shoes.
Takkie
Footwear with rubber soles, used in South Africa.
He cleaned his takkies after the match.
Sneaker
A term used for soft-soled shoes.
She collects vintage sneakers.
Takkie
Synonym for sneakers in South African English.
These takkies are comfortable for running.
Sneaker
One who sneaks.
Takkie
An athletic shoe, a trainer, a sneaker.
Sneaker
A shoe designed for outdoor activity, usually made of canvas with a rubber sole. Also called tennis shoe.
Sneaker
One who sneaks.
Sneaker
An athletic shoe with a soft, rubber sole. A trainer.
Sneaker
A vessel of drink.
Sneaker
A large cup (or small basin) with a saucer and cover.
Sneaker
(biology) A sneaker male.
Sneaker
One who sneaks.
Sneaker
A vessel of drink.
A sneaker of five gallons.
Sneaker
A type of soft shoe with a flat, pliable, typically rubber or other soft sole, and canvas-like upper, used in sports such as tennis, or for comfort. Called sneaker because they give no warning of one's approach. Usually used in the pl.
Sneaker
A punch bowl.
Sneaker
A canvas shoe with a pliable rubber sole
Sneaker
Someone acting as an informer or decoy for the police
Common Curiosities
Are takkies used in professional sports?
Yes, but specific sports may require specialized shoes.
Is the term takkies used outside South Africa?
It's primarily a South African term and less known globally.
Can sneakers be used for formal occasions?
Typically, they are for casual or athletic use.
Are sneakers and takkies the same type of shoes?
Yes, they refer to the same type of casual sports shoes.
Can takkies be high-end fashion items?
Yes, designer takkies can be fashion statements.
Did sneakers originate in the United States?
The term did, but similar shoes have been used globally.
Are all sneakers suitable for running?
Not all; some are designed more for style than sports.
Can sneakers be part of school uniforms?
Yes, in some schools, especially for physical education.
Are takkies acceptable in South African workplaces?
It depends on the workplace dress code.
Do sneakers always have rubber soles?
Typically, but materials can vary.
Are takkies environmentally friendly?
It varies; some brands focus on sustainable materials.
Is the term takkies used in formal writing?
It's more colloquial; formal writing may prefer 'sports shoes'.
Is it common to collect takkies?
Yes, especially limited editions or unique designs.
Do sneaker designs vary by culture?
Yes, designs can reflect cultural aesthetics and needs.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
